MEMBERS of West Bromwich Albion’s first-team squad netted a big vote of thanks from patients in the children’s ward at a Midland hospital when they dropped in to deliver Christmas gifts.

The stars were in a league of their own when they visited Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley to hand out a host of goodies to sick youngsters and meet patients and medical staff. They gave away toys, club memorabilia and a variety of games to the excited young fans.

All the gifts were donated by the club or bought by the players in a Christmas gesture for the young supporters.

The stars in stripes also spent time chatting to their young fans and signing autographs for patients and visitors during the trip. They will also pay a similar visit to Sandwell Hospital in West Bromwich.

Squad members Jerome Thomas, Ben Foster, Somen Tchoyi, Simon Cox and Steven Reid were joined by Albion’s Baggie Bird mascots to tour wards at the hospital. Republic of Ireland international Cox said: “We met some wonderful people and saw beautiful new-born babies. The visit was a pleasure.”

New father Thomas added: “I became a dad last week. We had a girl called Siena last Monday and I saw another baby in hospital that was a day or two older than my little girl. Luckily there was nothing serious, so they should be leaving. It’s nice to come here and wish them a happy Christmas.”